First Southern Baptist Church in Great Bend, Kansas, lost half its roof in a severe storm Sunday (July 16). But instead of cancelling Vacation Bible School scheduled for this week, the church relocated it to a sister church in the same community.
“Today is a hard day for the people who have invested their lives here, but Jesus secures us and provides,” read a post on the church’s Facebook page.
“He is the calm in any storm. Pray for us,” the church added. “Pray for Jesus to be lifted high that all people will be drawn to him.”
The storm was part of two days of weather in Kansas that left thousands without power and many homes damaged by high winds and hail, said Chuck Neece, who coordinates Southern Baptist Disaster Relief efforts in Kansas and Nebraska.
Officials in Great Bend have determined needs will be handled locally, Neece said, with no current plans to utilize volunteers from outside the area.
‘Our God is mighty’
Neece confirmed First Southern Baptist took a direct hit from the storm in Great Bend on Sunday.
The church has a fellowship hall and other buildings from which they can continue to serve the congregation, he said, and CrossPoint Church in Great Bend will host VBS beginning Tuesday night.
“No VBS here, BUT we will not be defeated as our God is mighty,” a leader from First Southern Baptist posted in a VBS-focused Facebook group.
“Please keep our church family and our neighbors and families in your prayers.”
